83R12085 VOO-F
 
  By: Dukes H.B. No. 450
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 450:
 
  By:  Giddings C.S.H.B. No. 450
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the designation of a state climatologist and the
  operation of a state climate office.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle E, Title 4, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Chapter 470 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 470. STATE CLIMATOLOGIST AND STATE CLIMATE OFFICE
         Sec. 470.001.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "state agency"
  means a department, commission, board, office, or other agency in
  the executive branch of state government, including a university
  system or institution of higher education as defined by Section
  61.003, Education Code.
         Sec. 470.002.  DESIGNATION OF STATE CLIMATOLOGIST. (a) The
  governor shall appoint an officer or employee of a state agency as
  the state climatologist from a list submitted by the speaker of the
  house of representatives and the lieutenant governor.
         (b)  To be eligible for designation as the state
  climatologist, an individual must have:
               (1)  a graduate degree with specialization in climate
  studies or a closely related field of study; and
               (2)  extensive experience in employing climate data for
  use by legislative, public, and private entities.
         (c)  Service as the state climatologist by an officer or
  employee of a state agency is an additional duty of the individual's
  office or employment.
         Sec. 470.003.  STATE CLIMATE OFFICE.  The state
  climatologist shall operate a state climate office that meets or
  exceeds the standards and level of service required for recognition
  by the American Association of State Climatologists or an
  appropriate successor organization.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2013.